How LASIK Works: A Simple Guide For First-Time Patients

LASIK eye surgery is among the most popular vision correction surgeries done globally. It’s that popular for a reason: it’s fast, effective, and can cut down on your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. But if you’re looking to have LASIK for the first time, you’re likely asking yourself: How does LASIK work? What does the procedure entail? Is it painful? And how exactly do doctors actually improve your eyesight using lasers?

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a form of refractive eye surgery that reshapes the cornea—the transparent front of the eye—to allow the light entering the eye to be well-focused onto the retina. This enhances your sight and corrects common problems like:

• Myopia (nearsightedness) – Close objects can be seen, but distant ones are difficult to discern.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness) – When near objects are more blurry than far ones.
• Astigmatism – Blurred or distorted vision caused by a non-uniform curvature of the cornea.

The convenience of LASIK is that it can treat all these issues in just minutes per eye, with minimal pain and rapid recovery.

How LASIK Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever asked yourself, how does LASIK surgery work, here’s the simple answer:

1. Preoperative Measurements and Feedback

Prior to undergoing LASIK, you will receive a full eye exam. The doctor will record the following measurements:

• Your corneal thickness and shape
• Your pupil size
• Your eye curvature (corneal topography)
• Your prescription (refractive error)

This determines your suitability for LASIK and informs the way the laser will recontour your cornea. Your measurements are ensured with accuracy through the use of cutting-edge scanning technologies.

2. Numbing and Preparation

During the surgery day, numbing drops are put in your eyes so you would not feel pain. You may be given a sedative to relax.

You will be reclining in a reclined position while your eye is being prepared by your surgeon. Your eyelid is kept open (so that you won’t blink) by a small device, and a gentle suction ring is applied to lock the eye for the next procedure.

3. LASIK Flap Creation Method

One of the most important steps in LASIK is making a corneal flap. It is a thin, round flap in the surface of your cornea.

Two major techniques are:

• Microkeratome LASIK – employs a microscopic mechanical cutting blade.
• Femtosecond LASIK (Bladeless LASIK) – employs a femtosecond laser to make a precise, blade-free flap.

When the flap is created, it’s carefully folded back like opening a book. This brings the inner corneal tissue into view which is then remoulded by the laser.

The Laser Correction

An excimer laser is applied to decrease very small amounts of corneal tissue to reshape it. This is calculated to your specific prescription.

• To correct nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened.
• For farsightedness, the cornea is made steeper.
• For astigmatism, the laser reshapes the irregularities.

The laser is extremely accurate, computer-controlled with your measurements. It’s completed in less than a minute per eye, and the laser follows your eye movement in real time to maintain precision.

Once reshaped, the flap is gently put back where it was. It stays in place naturally without stitches.

Is LASIK Painful?

Many patients report pressure, rather than pain. With short procedure time and numbing drops, LASIK is usually well tolerated. You may feel:

• Mild stinging or discomfort for a few hours after surgery
• Mild sensitivity to light
• Temporary watery or dry eyes

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Your vision will be blurry or hazy immediately after LASIK but gets better quickly over the next 24 to 48 hours.

You will be prescribed:

• Protective eye shields to be worn at night
• Lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness
• What not to do instructions (e.g., rubbing your eyes, swimming, strenuous exercise)

Most patients resume normal activities the day after, although vision should take a few weeks to completely stabilize.

LASIK Procedure Timeline

The following is a general overview of what to expect:

What are the Benefits of LASIK?

So why do so many people have LASIK?

• Fast results – Better vision usually within hours
• Painless – No shots or general anesthetic
• Fast recovery – Most return to normal living the next day
• Results that last – Often no glasses or contacts needed for years
• Customized – Specially crafted to your eye’s individual shape and vision requirements

LASIK Success Rate and Results

LASIK has a highly high success rate:

• More than 96% of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better
• More than 90% satisfaction rate consistently
• Retreatments or touch-ups are performed in a very small percent

It is helpful to know that although LASIK can really enhance your vision, there will be varying results to a certain degree depending on how severe your prescription was and the condition of your cornea.

LASIK vs Other Refractive Procedures

While LASIK is the most in-demand, there are alternatives:

Your ophthalmologist  will let you know which one is best for you based on the health of your eye.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

You could be an excellent candidate for LASIK if:

• You’re at least 18 years old with a stable vision of at least one year
• Your eyes are healthy and free from chronic infection or severe dryness
• Your corneas are thick enough
• Your refractive error falls in ranges that can be corrected

We’re not all the best candidates. People with keratoconus, autoimmune disease, or extremely thin corneas are excluded but there are other alternatives.

Risks and Side Effects

LASIK is safe, as is any surgery, but it carries potential risks:

• Dry eyes (temporary in most situations)
• Glare, halos, or nighttime vision
• Undercorrection or overcorrection (might need correction)
• Flap complications (rare)

Select a qualified LASIK surgeon and center to reduce these risks.

What Happens in LASIK: Summary

We will walk through the steps:

• Eye Exam – To check your eyes are healthy and LASIK is suitable for you.
• Numbing – Drops are instilled to keep you relaxed.
• Flap Creation – A small flap is formed on the cornea’s surface.
• Laser Reshaping – The inner portion of the cornea is reshaped to improve your vision.
• Flap Replaced – No need for stitches.
• Recovery – Rest, follow instructions, and experience your improved vision!

Preparation for Your First LASIK Consultation

To make your LASIK run smoothly:

• Stop wearing contacts a few days (or weeks) prior to consultation
• Bring your medication history and list
• Ask questions with confidence

Choosing the Best LASIK Surgeon

Your LASIK success is based mostly on your surgeon’s experience and technology utilized. Keep in mind:

• Board-certified ophthalmologists
• High patient satisfaction
• Availability of state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment
• Transparent policies and fees

Conclusion

So now that you’ve had a taste of LASIK, the decision is yours. If you’re tired of fogging glasses or reaching blindly in the morning for contacts, LASIK might be your answer. Already, millions have taken the plunge—and many say it’s the best thing they ever did.

But do make the choice in regard to the process, its advantages, and possible side effects. Go visit a seasoned LASIK doctor who can guide you through your options and suggest what your eyes require. Book your appointment now at Wavikar Eye Institute .